Jaguar C-type Continuation to make official debut at Hampton Court Palace

The Jaguar C-type Continuation is set to make its public debut at the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace on 3 September 2021.

The new C-type Contination is a strictly limited run built to celebrate the iconic model's motorsport heritage 70 years after it first raced to victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Jaguar Classic conducted a deep dive into the C-type's history and heritage before embarking on the Continuation series. This information then informed the way in which the new cars should be built, and served to inform the engineers of their necessary specification and racing prowess.

Norman Dewis, former Test Driver and Engineer for Jaguar Cars, also provided invaluable guidance on the build process, while the team had access to an example C-type and photographs along with Automotive Aerodynamist Malcolm Sayer's notes for the sleek body to help construct a 'Car Zero'.

Each example of the Jaguar C-type Continuation will reflect the 1953 Le Mans-winning works team car specification, including its 3.4-litre straight-six engine with triple Weber 40DCO3 carburettors, producing 220bhp, and the groundbreaking disc brakes that contributed to the record-breaking triumph at the 1953 Le Mans 24 Hours.

Also reflecting the original cars are the original-spec clocks and gauges and surrounding switches - an example of the fine and delicate attention to detail that Jaguar Classic engineers employ to create a perfect continuation car.

The seats for the continuation cars come finished in a choice of eight leather hues, upholstered by Bridge of Weir, and are complemented with racing harnesses - fitted to a newly constructed component behind the rear bulkhead to comply with FIA regulations.

A Bluemel steering wheel is true to the original with no roundel affixed to the centre - omitted from the original race cars to reduce glare and reflections - however, customers can specify the iconic Jaguar badging if they desire.

All C-type Continuations are FIA-approved, with eligibility in participating historic race championships, including the Jaguar Classic Challenge, which races at Le Mans, Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone.

To comply with regulations, the C-type Continuations will be fitted with FIA-approved Harness Retention System and rollover protection, effectively integrated into the rear bulkhead, also reassuring for those customers just looking to enjoy on track or closed-road use.